Maritimes- The Train Experience to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Ottawa

This afternoon we will depart from Tremblay Road, VIA Train station and travel from Ottawa to Montreal. We will then change trains to embark on the “Ocean” Via Train from Montreal to Halifax this evening at 630pm. We will enjoy dinner tonight in the dining car on the train. Overnight on the train in accommodations as paid. NO CHECKED LUGGAGE is permitted with you on the train. WE HIGHLY recommend bringing only a carry on for this tour. Overnight on VIA’s “The Ocean” Train.

Day 2

Arrival in Halifax

Wake up this morning and enjoy your breakfast and then your lunch in the dining car. We should arrive into Halifax at approximately 6:00pm. Delays can happen, so be prepared with medications required in your carry-on bag. Once we arrive into Halifax we will be transferred via private coach to our hotel for the next 3 nights in Halifax. Dinner on your own tonight. Your Travac Tours Director will have recommendations.

Day 3

Halifax, Lunenburg, and Peggy’s Cove

After your breakfast, enjoy a private coach tour with a professionally guided tour of Halifax, noting attractions from iconic lighthouses to urban gardens, stunning galleries, museums and a waterfront science center. This afternoon we will visit Lunenburg and have some free time to explore. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its narrow streets and unique architecture – is the home port of the Bluenose II. This graceful ship is a replica of the original fishing boat. Your final stop before heading back to Halifax will be Peggy’s Cove. Famous for its lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove is one of the most iconic images in Eastern Canada.

Day 4

Annapolis Valley

Today we will travel to the north shore and Annapolis Valley. We will make our way to the Annapolis Gardens, then travel further west to Digby for free time, lunch ($) and seeing the quaint village known for its scallops and lobster. After lunch we will head back to Halifax, but not before trying some of the local wines.

Day 5

Antigonish and Inverness

This morning, we will make our journey from Halifax to Cape Breton. We will make a lunch stop prior to arriving into Cape Breton in Antigonish. It is often referred to as “the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia” due to its rich Scottish culture. You may also want to try one of the local breweries. Our second stop will be Inverness, with a stop at Canda’s first single malt whiskey distillery to sample some of their award-winning products at Glenora Distillery. Then we will continue to the village of Baddeck, our home for the next two nights. Baddeck stretches along the beautiful shores of Bras d’Or Lake.

Day 6

Cabot Trail

Today our local guide will take you on a leisurely drive along the Cabot Trail, often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives. The road winds through the Cape Breton Highlands, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, stop at quaint fishing villages, where you can experience the warmth of local hospitality and enjoy freshly caught seafood.

Day 7

Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site and Return to Ottawa

We will depart the hotel today mid-morning with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site. After the visit you will have time for lunch. ($) After a most enjoyable experience in Nova Scotia, you’ll make your way back to Ottawa. Your Tour Director will advise you on your departure time from the hotel for our late afternoon flights out of Sydney, NS to Ottawa.

 

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